That's right, all you guys outside America are going to have to wait an entire month after us to see it. I know that you hate that, don't you?

Well, if it's any consolation, it's going to be at least a couple years before we see anything about that new Tron attraction at Disneyland. But from what I hear, the Suits are so happy with what they're seeing on Legacy that they've fast tracked development on a swanky E-Ticket and a few other surprises that could wind up being part of a TL makeover before the next sequel in this Mouse franchise.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Could this be your friendly, rebooted Spider-Man in the flesh? Word from my Bothans is that Sony has settled on "Journey to the Center of the Earth's" JoshHutcherson as the newly, high school bound Peter Parker after narrowing the search down to three actors. After several extensive test shoots were performed, MarcWebb and the top Sony $uits may have decided that Hutcherson was the right fit for the role and an offer could be made. The deal hasn't been signed yet, but if all works out there could be an announcement soon. Now, should the deal be signed, I wonder who'll be cast as the Lizard?

You've all heard about "Tick Tock Tale" from post here on Blue Sky and others, but finally, the public got to take a look at this new short. I remember reporting that it was supposed to play with TPATF, but wasn't ready in time, but it finally did play with the film, just not till months after it was released.

The story concerns a lonely, aging clock in a clock shop that is shunned by all the other, more modern pieces around him/it. One day a thief comes into the equation and changes everyone's perspective of what this little clock is and perhaps capable of.

And if you'd like to see what it looks like then head over to the Walt Disney Animation StudiosShorts Website and check out some lovely screen shots of this little gem.

No word yet if the Suits have pulled the gun with the intention of releasing this with "Tangled" later this year...

Monday, June 28, 2010

I am, after all, a very caring and trustful friend. With that said, I want to pass along this plea from Decadent Dave, who is in dire straights. See, he's a little short on cash right now and could use your help in purchasing much needed transportation.

All he needs is a mere $35,000.

That way he can purchase that life size Light Cycle that is for sale on E-Bay. Does it work? Not likely. Will it get him to where he wants to go? Well, there are two ways of answering that. Realistically, no, but metaphorically, I think it'll be taking him to that great, geek kingdom/sweet spot that all Tron Units see as the final destination. So, what do you say?

Not wanting to deprive those of us that watch the small screen, Marvel Studios has set up an imprint/division that will focus solely on television series, films, shorts entitled, what else?

Marvel Television.

The name pretty much says it all. For those that haven't yet heard, the Mousedivision has hired Jeph Loeb as the head of the TV division. Loeb, is an award winning comic/television writer that will be in charge of both live-action and animated forms of entertainment, the development and distribution of direct to DVD live-action/animated TV series and TV movies from Marvel.

If you don't know Loeb, he worked on "Heroes" during it's first couple of seasons, various other series, including "Lost" and has some rather iconic comic work. My favorite stuff of his is "The Long Halloween," which I highly recommend you getting if you want to read a very good Batman story. It's clear the man knows comics, let's now see how he manages and translates them to television.

Marvel is moving ahead with several properties that Loeb will have to address (S.H.I.E.L.D. series!) and hopefully give the greenlight to...

The expo, which is held in Amsterdam, is the European ShoWest, basically. All the exhibitors show their latest and upcoming projects for the foreign market. This year, Disney had an hour and half press event that featured looks at their upcoming projects over the next year+. A good portion of that was on the Tron sequel. They showed various concepts, artwork, animatics and such. And then they showed an extended trailer that blew the crowd away. If you want to see one reader's impression, the IMDb's boards had this lucky fellow who got to experience it. Click here for geeky delight...

Thursday, June 24, 2010

What a wonderful thing...On this day sixteen years ago, the Second Golden Age of Disney Animation ended...

The fourth and last film of this animation renaissance went out into theaters everywhere and became the Mouse's highest grossing film up until that time. We didn't know it then, but "TheLionKing" would become the high watermark for Walt Disney Feature Animation (now, Walt Disney Animation Studios). Nothing since has risen to, or equalled these four films in modern Disney history. Nothing since the Old Maestro at least. We're all still waiting for that Third Golden Age to begin.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

$$$$$$...Those of you that wondered what the new Disney Store would look like finally have your chance to see what all the hype is about...

Opening today at The Shops at Montebello is the first revised example of what the new "Imagination Park" as it's sometimes called will be. So if you live in Southern California you might want to brave traffic and take a trip with your young boy(s) or girl(s) to, as Disney likes to say "The best thirty minutes of a child’s day."

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

It appears Marvel Studios just keeps marching ahead with adaptations of it's characters...

If you hadn't heard, the Disney division has hired screenwriters Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer to come up with a film version of the classic StanLee/SteveDitko character, "DoctorStrange." If you're not a comic book geek and wonder who this physician is, well then, click the name dude. Hehe. The character is one of several secondary or B-level superheroes that line the 5000+ list that the Mouse bought last August. There are literally four or five films (not counting "Thor," "Captain America" and "Avengers.") in various stages of development, any one of which could be the first one launched under a Disney banner. We don't yet know which one will be the first to start lensing, but none will probably be out before 2012/13 at the earliest. I want to put my money on "Ant-Man," or "TheRunaways" first out of the gate, but my personal interest is in seeing that "S.H.I.E.L.D." theatrical feature that we broke here going before cameras for a big tent pole debut. Of course, with all the projects that Disney wants to have going, something else, like "Dazzler" could get the greenlight first.

I can see Decadent Dave is going to be spending a lot of money come this October. The pics of the toys that the Mouse is going to seduce geeks with this fall for "Tron Legacy" are starting to come out.

What if you wanted to have your keyboard look Tron-swanky?

And of course, you need a mouse.

Or maybe you want to have a tricked out tv remote?

Then you have to have a nice sound system for your iPhone that looks like a Tron Disc.

Production has commenced on location in Hawaii, the United Kingdom and Los Angeles on Walt Disney Pictures' and Jerry Bruckheimer Films' sweeping comedy adventure "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," directed by Rob Marshall ("Chicago"), the fourth entry in the blockbuster franchise which has already reaped $2.7 billion in worldwide box office from the previous three films, and the first to be filmed and presented in Disney Digital 3D(TM). Johnny Deppreturns to his iconic, Academy Award(R)-nominated role of Captain Jack Sparrow, newly joined by Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz ("Vicky Cristina Barcelona," Rob Marshall's "Nine"), Ian McShane (HBO's "Deadwood") and newcomers Astrid Berges-Frisbey and Sam Claflin. Also rejoining Johnny Depp and Captain Jack are Academy Award-winner and three-time nominee Geoffrey Rush ("Shine," "Shakespeare in Love") and Kevin R. McNally (first three "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, "Valkyrie"). The film is slated to open May 20, 2011.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise --this time inDisney Digital 3D(TM). In this action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise, Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), and he's not sure if it's love--or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

Rush reprises his role as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa, and Kevin R. McNally returns as Captain Jack's longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs. Claflin stars as a stalwart missionary, while Berges-Frisbey is transformed into a mysterious mermaid.

Joining Bruckheimer and Marshall for the new voyage is a top-flight group of award-winning behind-the-scenes artists, including director of photography Dariusz Wolski (first three "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland"), production designer John Myhre (two-time Academy Award(R) winner for Marshall's "Chicago" and "Memoirs of a Geisha"), costume designer Penny Rose (all three "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time"), visual effects supervisor Charles Gibson, who won an Academy Award for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," Oscar(R) winner and eight-time nominee special effects supervisor John Frazier ("Pirates of the Caribbean" films," "Pearl Harbor") and stunt coordinator George Marshall Ruge, who also devoted his talents to the previous three "Pirates" films as well as Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer's "National Treasure" franchise. The editors include two Oscar winners, Michael Kahn ("Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time") and David Brenner ("Born on the Fourth of July"), as well as Wyatt Smith (Marshall's "Nine").

Rob Marshall's first three films, "Chicago," "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Nine," have been honored with a total of 23 Academy Award(R) nominations. For his work on "Chicago," winner of six Oscars(R) including Best Picture, Marshall received the Director's Guild Award, an Oscar nomination, a Golden Globe Award(R) nomination, a BAFTA nomination The National Board of Review Award and the New York Film Critics Online Award. A six-time Tony Award(R) nominee and George Abbott Award winner, Marshall's extensive work on Broadway includes co-director and choreographer of the worldwide award-winning production of "Cabaret" and director/choreographer of the Broadway revival of "Little Me," along with many others. He also produced, directed and choreographed the NBC television special "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," which earned seven Emmy Awards(R), including three for Marshall, and directed and choreographed Disney/ABC's critically acclaimed movie musical "Annie," which received 12 Emmy nominations with two wins, including Marshall for Outstanding Choreography; it also won the prestigious Peabody Award.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" will film on the islands of Kauai and Oahu, Hawaii, followed by locations and studio work in the United Kingdom and Los Angeles.

It looks like we can look forward to a lot more unknown in the Marvel Movie Universe...

By that I mean, a lot of secondary and B-Level characters making their mark on the big screen and possibly television.

If you haven't read it, Latino Review is reporting from one of their sources that Marvel Studios and Disney are thinking about attaching short film versions of their lesser known heroes. These shorts, between 8-11 minutes would be introductory and a great way for the Mouse to gauge how much interest the public has in these characters without having to spend hundreds of millions of dollars only to find that the world has no interest in seeing them*.

I find this fascinating for one reason, this is what Hollywood used to call "Serials." This is what the inspiration for "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Star Wars," and several other films. I look forward to this immensely. It's not known if these projects will be live-action or hand-drawn/cg animation. I would hope that will Disney's vast collection of animation, they could pull something quite enjoyable together. This might be the route that Marvel goes with that proposed S.H.I.E.L.D. animated series that is one of many ideas that the Suits are going over.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

And I still don't intend to anytime soon. I have never really enjoyed reviewing films, I just don't like doing it. Taking what someone has worked on for two or three years and turning all that sweat and effort into a couple of paragraphs seems to belittle even the time and money put into a box office dud. I have my opinions and I state them, I'm not afraid of that, but reviews I'll leave up to others. Now that that is said, I will tell you that "Toy Story 3" is brilliant and amazing. A fine end to a wonderful series of stories that started fifteen years ago. It it every bit as deserving of the accolades it's receiving right now, as the first two. Pixar, unlike any other studio just knows how to make a quality film.

But what I want to say, or talk about, is the culmination of the whole. All three films. The trilogy that is Toy Story. When my friends and I get together and talk film, from time to time we debate what are the greatest films. We also throw out what we think are the greatest trilogies. We've discussed the faults and failings of mega-series like "Star Wars" and "Star Trek." The sadness, that series like "Spider-Man" and "X-Men" when from good, to great, to mediocre with their trilogies. And until now, most of us have settled on "The Lord of the Rings" as the closest thing to a perfect trio of films. As I said, until now.

With the Lamp's release of this film, we now have the perfect trilogy of films about a series of characters. Toy Story, Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 are of a quality that rises far above the rest, but also shows that it is possible to create a series/trilogy of films that don't loose story or artistic value in the all mighty attempt to make the all mighty dollar. It ain't easy as the record shows, but Pixar has done it. Amazingly.

When I saw the first Toy Story in 1995, I was amazed at the look, it being the first all computer animated film, but I was swept up in the authenticity of the details of such a heartfelt story. When there was news that a sequel was going to be made, I wondered why and knew that it would fall short of the original... and I was wrong. It was better than the first (my opinion), which I couldn't believe since the first one was so good. As the years lingered on, I heard time and time again of a new, third in the series. From the one not to be made by Pixar from the Circle 7 guys, to the announcement that Pixar would do a finale to their other two films once the company had been bought by Disney four years ago. Again, I thought that it would be a disappointment. I couldn't imagine that they could equal or match what was so right in the first two films... and again, I was wrong.

Now, I'm not going to say that it's better than Part Two, which I still love, but I will say it's an equal brother to it or the first. It's too early for me to wrap my head around it being better than the others, but it is great, it's the best film of the year so far, it deserves to be up for best picture (not best animated), and I could deem it the best Toy Story film after more viewings and more passing of time. But I never thought I'd say that.

Friday, June 18, 2010

While the Lamp continues to shine, the Mouse continues to try and find its place in this world...

Tomorrow "Toy Story 3" opens up and is guaranteed to be a success. It's almost a given that this third (and last of the theatrical series, at least) film will bring in truckloads of cash for the Disney vaults. And next year, the release of "Cars2" will most likely catapult past the original's box office take since all those new, young boys have bought all that merchandise over the past few years. Then we have "Monsters Inc. 2," which will be a hit, and the mystery of "Brave" that is Emeryville/Disney North's only enigma. That gives BobIger and all the Suits in Burbank another two and a half years before they'll really have to wonder about profits from these films. I know that nothing is for sure, but Pixar is as close to success as anything or anyone in Hollywood.

But what about the Mouse?

By that, I mean Walt Disney Animation Studios. The Big Brother to little Luxo Jr. has been having some struggles of late. While we all screamed in joy at the thought of Pixar becoming part of the Disney family, what we really looked forward to was JohnLasseter being in charge of Walt Disney Feature Animation (now, WDAS). We wanted him to take a bit of that Pixar dust and turn it into pixie dust. Give Disney animation some of the amazing success that Pixar has enjoyed over the last decade. And years later, we're still waiting for that to happen.

Not that the films under his tenure in charge haven't been good. They have, much better than what was seen the last decade almost, but they haven't enjoyed the kind of love, financially speaking that Pixar has enjoyed. From the box office catastrophe that putting "Bolt" up against horribly, badly acted, and badly told stories about vampires, to the sadness that audiences didn't embrace hand drawn animation like we had hoped with "The Princess and the Frog."

So what's up inside the Hat Building? How are things holding up? What projects are moving forward and when will we see Disney return to the glory of yesterday. Right? I mean, look at how Disney's former boss, JeffreyKatzenberg is doing over across town with his new animation company. Not too shabby, I think.

That right there is one of the worrisome things for animators right now at Disney Animation. While they try to get something going and hope for a success, DreamWorks Animation moves steadily ahead with a large and growing slate of projects. Jeffrey's House has crews that are deep in development on multiple stories that will average out to five films every two years. And the Mouse, well, he's struggling to put one a year out and there is a huge scheduling hole that animators hope to fill soon.

So just as a refresher, here are the projects that are ahead for WDAS:

Notice that? Another missing hole, just like 2011 used to be when "King of the Elves" occupied that 2012 spot. But when the story didn't work out it was shelved and in it's place was another project that has travelled through animated development hell, "The Snow Queen." But the story wasn't going smoothly on that and suddenly Disney had a "Royalty" problem and it got shelved. Meaning that now, the year without Disney Animation having a film would be in 2012, not 2011. Development was starting to go better for Rich Moore's "Reboot Ralph" reinterpretation of "Joe Jump," but it wouldn't be out till 2013. So this has animators worried that there won't be a project in between to bridge the gap.

There are a handful (literally) of directors working on projects that are in a strong development state, but each are in varying stages of process and none have been greenlit yet, and the animators are frustrated at a lack of enough projects to keep them all working and employed. Many realize with that 2011 empty spot, several of them will be let go in another round of layoffs, and it's not really helping morale right now. Now, this isn't the same as the morale of several years ago where management belittled the talent and respect was as uncommon trait among the bean counters that walked the halls. They (the animators) all truly admire Lasseter and feel that he and Ed Catmull care, and are trying to turn the division around. It's become a much more creative inspired company, but several feel that the marketing division has had too much influence over what gets made. Princesses, fairies, ect. It seems with TPATF and the Disney Fairies series moving into the latter part of its run that the direction has changed somewhat for the better. There are several ideas being pitched, but nothing has gone so far as to keep staff from realizing that a lull in projects means no work. Several are now preparing their portfolios for a trip down to DreamWorksAnimation where a few of their friends have already gone, and where the development slate is far stronger and the workload is far more stable.

Of the few Bothans I've talked to, they feel that the line-up that is coming is strong, but there is just not enough in development. Chris Williams' project is still a ways off and JohnMusker & RonClements are working on two ideas for hand-drawn projects but neither have been given the go yet. The lack of a sure fire hit has also weighed heavy on the hearts of animators as well. After working on "Bolt" and "Frog" they were expecting to be back in the big time, but Pixar's success has overshadowed the older brother. Not that they're jealous, but they want to show the world that they can tell great stories too. This isn't a case of sibling rivalry, but a case of animators thinking they haven't yet had the opportunity to show the talents they know they have. They just don't want to have to go across town to DreamWorks to show them.

It seems that it's harder than we thought to take the magic of a Lamp and turn a Mouse into a Prince...

Thursday, June 17, 2010

We may all be faulting the marketing of Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Tangled" by the Mouse, but there are some projects that they seem to know how to market. No mater if you liked it or not, "Alice in Wonderland" was marketed very well and the end result at the box office proved it. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series has been handled very well, and the Pixar films have all been part of a great promotional strategy.

Another one that has been handled brilliantly so far, is "Tron Legacy."

From that first surprise clip of the test footage a couple years ago, to last years appearance and the following WonderCon marketing as well.

Walt Disney Pictures’ “TRON: Legacy” Opens in US Theaters in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX® 3D on December 17, 2010

BURBANK, Calif. (June 17, 2010) — Returning for an unprecedented third year to the fans and Convention that “started it all,” Walt Disney Pictures is pleased to present a very special, insider look at its upcoming “TRON: Legacy” at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International Convention. At 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2010, the panel presentation will be held in Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center. On the dais will be filmmakers and talent from the film, including director Joe Kosinski, producers Sean Bailey and Steven Lisberger as wells as cast members Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Michael Sheen and Bruce Boxleitner. The panel discussion, to be moderated by Patton Oswalt, is set to include exclusive glimpses of the film, as well as a Q & A involving all panel participants, along with special surprise guests.

It was at the 2008 Convention that the vision of a 21st century TRON was born. When VFX test footage was shown to a packed hall of incredibly surprised convention attendees, it was met with such an overwhelmingly positive response—becoming the “it” moment of the Convention—that the studio gave the film an enthusiastic green light. In 2009 “TRON: Legacy” returned to Comic-Con with an expanded presence and this year, the filmmakers and cast are back with never before seen visuals and “scoop” for the Convention fans who have been such an instrumental part of the story of “TRON: Legacy.”

Director Joe Kosinski comments: “When we made the teaser, we envisioned it as a sneak peek at the potential of this project. We set out to stay true to the characters, the vehicles, and the world established in the first film—then show its evolution. When it took off with the fans, we knew we were in the right place. Because they’ve been key to getting this story told, we’re back to keep them involved, and excited to finally present actual footage from the film to the audience that made it all possible.”

To add to the excitement of this extraordinary event, Disney will showcase an interactive TRON booth on the convention floor (located on aisle #3712), giving fans a first look at the all new “TRON: Legacy” inspired merchandise launching this fall. Capturing the action, light, and cool aesthetic style of the film, the display will include toys, electronics, collectibles, apparel, accessories, publishing and the “TRON: Evolution” video game from Disney Interactive Studios. Comic-Con exclusive products will also be on sale. Disney will also reveal exciting new mobile content at the event.

About “TRON: Legacy”

“TRON: Legacy” is a 3D action-packed adventure set in a digital world unlike anything captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Oscar® and Golden Globe® winner Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the abandoned Flynn’s Arcade—that could have only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a visually stunning universe—created by Kevin Himself—which has become far more advanced with never-before-imagined vehicles, weapons and landscapes, and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape.

Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. This year’s annual convention runs July 22-25 at the San Diego Convention Center.

I think no matter what else happens at this convention (and I'm hearing about quite a few surprises), this one is going to be owned by TRON.

While it's been known for a while when the closing of Star Tours would be here in California/Florida, it wasn't known exactly when the attractions would reopen. Finally, information about these battle plans have been put out there by the Empire.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Earlier today we posted a trailer showing off one of Disney Interactive's new games, now we post a trailer for the one that I most anticipate...

Before we go sit in a darkened theater to watch Walt Disney Pictures' "Tron Legacy" this holiday season, we'll be able to transport ourselves into that world at home with Propaganda Games' "Tron Evolution." Take a look at this new trailer for it and plan on getting behind one of those light cycles this November 1st.

"Epic Disney" looks like it's going to be a great game and gives you an idea as to where video gaming is/can go. I imagine someday being able to play a game that looks and interacts like one of the classic shorts. As always, story has to rule, no matter if it's Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios or video games like "Batman: Arkham Asylum." A great game involves an intriguing and compelling story with amazing graphics and good game play.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

When I first heard about a new Star Wars film back in the late Nineties, I had visions of awesome light saber fights, huge Clone War battles and really epic amazingness. That's not what we got obviously, but it appears that my friends and I aren't the only ones who thought this. There are a couple new Star Wars games coming out soon, both look much better than the Prequels, but one look like it's filled with that amazingness that I imagined a long, long time ago. In fact, it looks like they reached into my mind and pulled out those memories as research. Take a look at BioWare and Lucasarts' "Star Wars: The Old Republic" trailer of the upcoming game and dream of what could have been and might some day be.

Maybe Lucasfilm should let these guys work on a theatrical film, they seem to get it more than the Master does...

Monday, June 14, 2010

You just have to face a choice between what it right, and what is easy...It's good to be back in sunny, Southern California...

Remember when I said I was "Gone Phishing" last week? Well, I kinda was. I was in Florida and I've been very busy. I was spent some time at Walt Disney World with friends, spending a day at each park (and still enjoying Disney'sAnimal Kingdom most of all). But the main thing we all wanted to do was go to the competition. We enjoyed a nice day at Universal Studios, but then the next day we went to our actual destination and reason for going in the first place: Islands of Adventure. You know where this is going?

To be specific, we wanted to see "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey." And that we did. First off I want to say that IOA is probably my favorite non-Disney theme park. It's probably the closest thing to a Disney Park in terms of details and theming, but it still falls short. But with the addition of "Forbidden Journey," they've made a huge leap toward parity. All of the park is very well laid out with nice touches and good details, but were the rest of the park to have to quality of the Harry Potter section then this would truly be a rival to the Mouse. It is a very detailed area, rivaling Animal Kingdom in the layering on of things that you have to pay attention to to notice. And the E-Ticket, if you could call it that, the main attraction, Forbidden Journey, is of a quality not seen lately by WDI in the states. It rivals Tokyo DisneySEA in terms of craftsmanship and standards, it's that good.

I want to thank Universal Creative (Universal Studios version Walt Disney Imagineering) for achieving this, it's truly a step up from anything that they've done before and if the future of their rides/attractions is like this then Disney is going to have to step up their game. The heat is on. And that's a really good thing. We should all thank these people and this attraction because without them and this marvelous ride, there wouldn't be all the construction going on in the back of Fantasyland. That 300 million dollar expansion of WDW was started specifically because the Suits were uneasy with the new opening at Universal. Competition is good. We all benefit from it. And if more people go see this and reward Universal, Disney starts to get even more worried and we might even see more TLC for Disney World. Again, a very good thing. The better these parks get, the more the Mouse will have to respond with the incredible details that enhance a guest's experience there.

Now, as to what they'll do? We'll have to wait and see how the response to this new experience unfolds. Don't expect anything relating to that four billion dollar purchase last year, though. Nothing is/will be planned in Florida for most likely the coming decade because of Universal's preexisting conditions with Disney's new adopted child. But there are plenty of things in the files of WDI over in Glendale that the Imagineers can pull out to use. If only they have the will to do so. A decade ago I wouldn't have any faith in the management at the time to have that vision or willingness to spend the bucks. At least now I know there is a chance and that we might see something like this come about. All you have to do is dream and have the desire to see those dreams through.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

It's difficult at times to realize that it all happened twenty-nine years ago today. On this day in 1981, GeorgeLucas and StevenSpielberg released "Raiders of the Lost Ark" which hijacked my brain and I haven't gotten it back since.When I went into the theater to see this new film that the poster claimed was "From the Creator of Star Wars" and "The director of Jaws" I didn't know what to expect. When I left after it was over, I was suffering from withdrawal from having the only out of body experience I've ever had watching a film. I fell in love like many others with the new character of Indiana Jones. He was bold, brash and all too human. I enjoyed seeing him even in the flawed sequels to this masterpiece(sans CrystalSkull, of course). Happy birthday, Henry Jones Jr.!

And thanks to Steven and George for making a kid feel like the world opened up to him...

Friday, June 11, 2010

When the Mouse started working on this project they changed the names of the original hotel towers from the Sierra Tower, which is now Dreams (Adventure Tower in 2010), the Marina Tower, which is now the Wonder (Frontier Tower in 2011), and Bonita, that is now the Magic (Fantasy Tower in 2012). Notice that? Each tower will now be named after three of the original four lands of Disneyland. Four lands. Three towers?

Hmmm...

So what about a fourth tower named after the other land? A Tomorrow Tower. Well, that'll have to wait and see. When the original proposal for expanding the park was designed, there were plans to give the DLH an additional fourth tower during the makeover of the park, were the WestCOT designs to get approval. In addition to the other wonderful new hotels (a future post, btw) that were to grace a lovely curving Disneyland Drive, was a revamped version of the hotel that started it all. But we all know what happened to those plans.

But when WDI set about taking all three towers and giving them a retro-makeover, the initial plans were/are to turn the buildings into something akin to the 50's/60's version of the future just as the Contemporary Resort in WDW does. But with everything and every plan, there is room left for future development. And that is one of the bits of blue sky that could happen if and when the time is right.

Before the economy went into the tank, the Disneyland Resort had occupancy rates of close to 90%, compared to around 70% for the Walt Disney World Resort. Not bad, but as we know, when the recession happened there was a dip in spending and bookings. The rates haven't gotten back to those levels from a few years ago, but they don't appear to be decreasing any further. Should the economy start to take off and bookings begin to rise, then that expansion would move forward and a fourth tower would be become closer to being a reality instead of a fantasy. So there are three towers named after three of the original lands, a fourth tower would need a name that thematically went along with the other towers. I wonder what that name could/would be?

Thursday, June 10, 2010

This is the same one which will be before "Toy Story 3" next weekend. As for what it shows, there is really very little of the story shown in context. The trailer is marketed very edgy, and is naturally trying to play up to the market that the Mouse thinks it missed out on in "The Princess and the Frog."

Males/Young Boys.

It comes off closer to pop-cultury references, but don't worry about that rock song being in the film. From what I've heard this is marketing for the trailer and the film has songs that play more classically, like B&B. The few I've talked to about the film said it's actually quite good, and Lasseter and the directors have been busy tightening up the story. Little tweaks here and there and most everyone is happy with the result despite a very crunched schedule.

Let down your guard, go over to the recently activated official website and give it a look...

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Those that have seen World of Color know what I'm talking about. Having seen it three times now, I can tell you that it's a game changer for the resort and the theme park. Starting this week, DCA will make its first, bold step toward becoming a Disney destination, not a Disney abomination. You can already see some of the changes in how the park is being marketed in the new commercials and billboards for the event. It truly crosses the line that ends the Pressler Era for good and moves forward into a bright future for Disney Parks the world over.

So, what is it that is so different? First off, scale. The scale of this endeavor is big. Really big. More than any project so far seen in this park. When this show is seen by the public it will give them a sense that things have changed. Things are different in Disney's Second Gate in California. There's now a reason to come through those turnstiles. I've seen the show three times myself and it's incredibly beautiful with one of my first reactions to it as how different it feels from anything else that the Mouse has tried to pull off there since the 2001 park opening. It doesn't feel like a stopgap measure, as many other "events" have. This feels amazing and spectacular, an entertainment show that you would see in a park like Disneyland itself were it to have the real estate to actually pull it off. That is going to be one of the great benefits of the bay at Paradise Pier. And it's going to be a great alternative to those that have seen entertainment over in the Rivers of America and are looking for something else.

The one thing that some people will be critical of is the narrative of the show. There is none. Being as almost everything that Disney does from attractions to films, a storyline is usually involved, but WOC is a string of beautiful scenes combined with powerful, cutting edge technology that are connected by nothing else. And no, Disney wasn't trying to be lazy. There actually was a storyline in the beginning of the concept and it survived all the way through much of the testing phase. But it didn't work, so bits were replaced and changed as the show was worked on. If you've seen some of the videos on YouTube and think you've seen it then realize that you probably haven't. There have been at least five versions on display during late night testing and this is the final version for the opening. Missing is the little character known as "Squirt" that was supposed to be making an appearance throughout the scenes as a water creature that was going to tie certain scenes together. All of the scenes of paper mache animation as well. The Cheshire Cat scenes may have looked good on the small screen, but spread out over three hundred feet they didn't look near as attractive and so they were cut. It will probably have little tweaks made over the coming years and add/drop scenes just as "Fantasmic!" has done. There is even early, blue sky talk of having customized shows for specific events, like Christmas or perhaps Halloween as time goes by. But that won't likely happen the first few year, just like "Toy Story Midway Mania" was designed so programs could be switched out and new things added in little time, so will this show do/be eventually.

Come this fall, the front entrance will start to become a mess of walls and construction like many other parts of the park and a little more than a year later, Disney fans' eyes will drink in an incredibly detailed, lovingly crafted and themed new front entrance that evokes the idealized version of the Los Angeles Walt saw when he stepped off that train looking for his American dream. This Christmas will not likely be very themed in DCA as the room/space that could be used in very limited, but once the front area is turned into something far better than a gaudy extension of The Block in Orange, you can expect something during the holiday season to rival Disneyland's Main Street decorations. A very California Christmas I would say/imagine. With themed entertainment that the park is working on making guest feel like they've gone back in time to what it must have been like in an earlier part of the Golden State's holiday history. Events that park goers experience during Holidays 2012/13 are going to have them looking back on what was DCA when it opened as a faint, drifting bad dream. The young ones that first enter the park then will have to be told that all this wonder as a far better sight than what they remember a decade ago. They won't believe you.

And about that time, as the first phase of the Extreme Makeover comes to a close, people will start to see the improvements coming to the original park start to take place as well as the announcement of an addition Disney hotel if attendance and spending continue to rise from current levels. But that's another story for another posts (just like the beginning of the second phase of expansion at DCA which won't start till probably 2014 or so).

The future is bright for Southern California over the coming decade and we Disney Fans/Geeks can look forward to the evolving plans finally turning what was said to be a resort into an actual one...

Friday, June 4, 2010

DC Entertainment's Chief Creative Officer, GeoffJohns recently spoke to Newsarama about the future of Warner's comic book properties and while he couldn't/wouldn't say that these projects were greenlit, he did stress the ones that he'd like to see. Since he caries a lot of weight in what happens there you can bet much of this has a good chance of actually coming true. Here are some of what he'd like to see:

Wonder Woman - Princess Diana of Amazon Island, has been the subject of a comic, the "Super Friends" animated series, WilliamDozier's attempted 60's series that was/would have been disastrous, a 70's television series and numerous other merchandising efforts, but a theatrical release has long evaded her. Even JossWhedon's resume and script were not enough to get her off the ground and into theaters apparently. Johns thinks that's about to change and Diane Nelson and the others at DCE seemed determined to bring her into the modern reality. For anyone that has never heard of this character (really?), she's princess from a tall race of Amazon women sent from her hidden island paradise to the world of man to basically, save man from himself. Go, girl power! I am curious to find out what talent gets attached to this because it'll not only show us they're serious, but exactly what kind of direction they're headed.

Blue Beetle - Not, the Ted Kord version, which is my favorite (and the inspiration for Daniel Dreiberg/Nite Owl), but the Jaime Reyes version that is the most different and recent. For the many that haven't heard of this title, Reyes is a young teen in Texas that finds a blue beetle scarab that happens to be an ancient technological instrument of war. He takes it home and while asleep, the devise connects or fuses itself to his back. The scarab is actually an alien tool of battle that works with and against Reyes to give him access to incredible powers.

Sleeper - The comic book series written by Ed Brubaker with art by Sean Phillips about an undercover agent placed in a secret organization. That agent happens to have had contact with an alien artifact that allows him to feel no pain and actually store up that pain to pass on to others. He rises within the organization, trapped by its power and continually working to destroy it. Along the way he falls for member of the organization and it only complicates matters. Think of this as a "The Departed" meets "The X-Files" that would make an amazing movie if done right. It's been in Development Hell for TomCruise for quite some time.

Suicide Squad - Think of this as a superhero version of the "A-Team." A group of former/current(?) villains were sent by government operatives to take care of a mission that was perceived to be suicidal... hence the name Suicide Squad. The story involves government intrigue, espionage, back stabbing and infighting as well as saving the nation they fought against from destruction. Given the right writer and director, this could be a fun action film, sans the cheesy costumes of course (A prime example being the characters in The X-Men films).

100 Bullets - Johns mentioned trying to get a version of this limited series comic to the screen. For those that don't remember, this is one of the titles I mentioned the Mouse should try and make in my "Without Tights" post pre-MA*. The comic series, written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso was published under the Vertigo imprint and is a tale of revenge and possible redemption. Each story has an agent show up to some aggrieved person to present them with a gun and 100 bullets that are totally untraceable, with this weapon they will be able to get away without anyone knowing that they killed the person responsible for their predicament. The events play out on a larger canvas as the story unfolds and becomes more complex. This would make an excellent television series if done correctly.